YOUNG Africans Sports Club (Yanga) bowed out of the CAF Champions League despite a commanding 3-0 victory over JS Kabylie, with head coach Pedro Goncalves expressing pride in his team’s performance and growth after the final group stage match.

Young Africans entered their decisive Group B fixture at the New Amaan Complex knowing that qualification to the quarter finals depended not only on victory but also on the outcome of the clash between Al Ahly and AS FAR Rabat in Cairo. While the Tanzanian champions delivered emphatically at home, the goalless draw in Egypt ensured both North African sides progressed, leaving Young Africans eliminated. 

After the match, Goncalves (pictured) struck a tone of resilience rather than disappointment, choosing to focus on the strides his team has made on the continental stage.

 “My first words are pride; pride for this club, pride for this team, pride for my players, pride for my coaches, pride for the staff, and pride for the supporters who are always here pushing us and believing in us,” he said.

 The Portuguese tactician insisted that the team’s performance throughout the group phase deserved recognition, even if the final standings did not favour them.

 “We always focus on our performance, not only today but always. We concentrate on what we need to do and try to improve match by match. During the preparation for this game, we designed a clear plan, and the boys delivered a wonderful performance,” he said.

 Young Africans were drawn into what many considered one of the toughest groups of the competition, facing experienced and well-resourced opponents. Despite the challenge, Goncalves maintained that competing against Africa’s elite is essential for the club’s long term ambitions.

 “Perhaps in the end people will say we didn’t qualify from a group with three big clubs in Africa, considering the conditions they have. But I am very proud of my players and very proud of this club. This club wants to reach higher levels and is fighting hard for that.”

 The coach urged Tanzanian football stakeholders to view the campaign as part of a broader development process rather than a failure.

 “I believe all the people of Tanzania should be proud of Young Africans. This is football. Only those who challenge themselves with big objectives can reach big places. If you don’t dare to compete at the highest level, you never grow,” he said.

 On the pitch, Young Africans did everything within their control. Goncalves opted for an attacking approach, starting with two strikers - Laurindo Aurelio ‘Depu’ and Prince Dube -signaling clear intent from kickoff. The hosts dominated early proceedings and were rewarded in the 36th minute when Depu converted a penalty after Pacome Zouzoua was fouled by JS Kabylie goalkeeper Seif Benrabah. Congolese referee Jean Jacques Ndala pointed to the spot, and Depu calmly slotted home to give Young Africans a 1-0 halftime lead.

 However, the hosts suffered a setback shortly after the opener when Pacome was forced off due to injury, with Mudathir Yahya coming on as his replacement.

 In the second half, Young Africans intensified their push. Depu doubled the advantage in the 63rd minute, finishing off a well-crafted assist from Allan Okello to ignite celebrations in the stands. Moments later, substitute Chadrack Boka made an instant impact, scoring just 40 seconds after coming on to seal a 3-0 triumph.

 Despite the electrifying atmosphere, attention frequently shifted to updates from Cairo. Players, fans, and club officials alike were keenly aware that their fate rested elsewhere. When news filtered through that Al Ahly and AS FAR Rabat had drawn - a result that secured their passage to the quarter finals – Young Africans’ hopes were extinguished.

 The Tanzanian champions completed the group stage with eight points, identical to last season’s tally, having recorded two wins, two draws, and two defeats. Al Ahly topped the group with 11 points, followed by AS FAR on nine, leaving Young Africans in third place.

 Goncalves emphasized that the conclusion of the Champions League journey does not mark the end of Young Africans’ ambitions this season.

 “We are here to continue with the challenge. Maybe not in the Champions League now, but we still have many things to conquer. The league and the cup are very competitive, and we remain fully focused on those competitions,” he added.

 His remarks reflect determination to redirect energy toward domestic objectives, including the Premier League and the Federation Cup, both of which offer routes back to continental competition.

 The coach also highlighted the broader progress of Tanzanian football, expressing optimism about the country’s trajectory on the African stage.

 “The Tanzanian league is growing a lot. Step by step, the conditions are improving, and I believe Tanzania can achieve a better position in African football.”

 Although Yanga’s elimination means Tanzania will not have a representative in the Champions League quarter finals this season, Goncalves’ message was clear - growth requires courage, and setbacks are part of the journey. For Young Afrucans, the focus now shifts to rebuilding momentum at home while continuing to dream of continental breakthrough in the seasons ahead.